This film still captures U.S. Navy carrier aircraft preparing for launch during World War II. In the foreground, a TBM/TBF Avenger torpedo bomber sits with engine running; behind it, Curtiss SB2C Helldiver dive bombers display squadron tail markings and the postwar-standard star-and-bar national insignia. Painted in Non-Specular Sea Blue, these aircraft represent the fast carrier task forces that dominated Pacific air operations in 1944-1945, including major strikes such as the April 1945 sinking of the Japanese battleship Yamato. Project: 218238